Weatherproof enclosure primarily for electrical apparatus



March 4, 1958 A. J. MARON, JR 2,325,433

WEATHERPROOF ENCLOSURE PRIMARILY FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS Filed Feb. 1, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Pas W. l|n.. Z/E 4/ (23 (27 IE Va W I ll. I hi INVENTOR ANDREW J. MARONJR ATTORNEYS M r 4, 1 A. J. MARON, JR 2,825,483

WEATHERPROOF ENCLOSURE PRIMARILY FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS Filed Feb. 1, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ,46 I 1 INVENTQR" ANDREW J MARON JR v BY ATTORNEYS United States Patent WEATHERPRGQF ENCLGSURE PRIMARILY FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS Andrew 5. Maren, 3n, Bordentown, N. J.

Application February 1, 1956, Serial No. 562,301

12 Claims. (Cl. 220-29) This invention relates to protective devices and more particularly to a weatherproof enclosure primarily intended to receive electrical apparatus to protect the same from the weather and to prevent unauthorized access thereto and although the same is primarily intended for electrical apparatus, nevertheless, if desired, other devices may be mounted therein where protection and unauthorized access is of importance.

Heretofore, numerous types of weatherproof enclosures have been designed and utilized, but many of these were relatively complex and costly and access thereto was rendered diflicu-lt by the fact that the covers were frequently secured in place by screw threaded fasteners, such as bolts or the like, and also it was necessary to carefully preserve the gaskets which were utilized to render the enclosure weatherproof.

It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a weatherproof enclosure which may be conveniently and economically constructed from metal blanks which are stamped and formed in relatively simple stamping operations and requiring relatively simple and inexpensive dies.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a weatherproof enclosure in which a container is formed of three blanks welded together to provide a unitary structure and in which a cover is conveniently assembled therewith and removably held in position to provide a weatherproof enclosure 'and to prevent unauthorized access to the interior thereof.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a weatherproof enclosure incorporating a container formed of three generally rectangular metal blanks welded together to provide a unitary structure and a generally rectangular cover formed from a single metal blank and with notches of uniform size and shape formed in the corners of the cover blank.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a weatherproof enclosure, including a container and a cover and in which the cover may be retained in closing position and unauthorized access prevented by means of a single easily removable blocking device.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a weatherproof enclosure including a container which may be of any desired size to accommodate the required apparatus and in which a plurality of covers of convenient size may be provided and applied to the container to close the same and in which, such covers may be removed and applied independently, in order to afford access to a portion only of the container.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein;

Fig. l is aview in perspective showing a weatherproof enclosure constructed in accordance with this invention;

Fig. 2, an exploded perspective view showing the container with the cover removed and the configuration of the cover which adapts the same with assembly with the container;

'"ice Fig. 3, a longitudinal sectionalview showing the container and cover prior to assembly;

Fig. 4, a longitudinal sectional view, similar to Fig. 3, but showing the cover assembled with the container;

Fig. 5, a fragmentary perspective exploded view showing a slightly modified form of the invention;

Fig. 6, an exploded perspective view showing a further modifiedform of the invention in which a plurality of covers are utilized to close the container and in which a bridging member is installed in the container to receive the side flanges of the covers;

Fig. 7, a transverse seotionalview of the form of the invention shown in Fig. 6 and showing the position occupied by the covers in closing position and the manner in which the bridging member cooperates with the side flanges of the cover to provide a weatherproof enclosure; and

Fig. 8, a plan view of the blanks utilized to construct the enclosure shown in Fig. 1.

With continued reference to the drawing there is shown a weatherproof enclosure constructed in accordance with this invention and primarily intended to receive electrical apparatus, although, if desired, other types of apparatus may be enclosed therein. The enclosure of this invention may well comprise a container 10 and a removable cover 11 and, as shown in Fig. 8, the container may be formed from three generally rectangular metallic blanks 12, 13 and 14. It is to be noted, that the blanks 12, 13 and 14 may be cut from fiat sheet material and that the same are merely rectangular in shape requiring no special dies for cutting or forming the same. The blank 12 may be bent along the lines 15 and 16 to provide a rear wall 17, a top wall 18 and a bottom wall 19. The top wall 18 may be bent along a line 26 to provide a cover retaining flange 21, as best shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. The blanks 13 and 14 provide side walls 22 and 23 and are bent along lines 24 and 25 respectively, to provide front flanges 26 and 27, as best shown in Fig. 2. It is to be noted, that the cover retaining flange 21 overhangs the front flanges 26 and 27 and is spaced forwardly thereof for a purpose to be presently described. The blanks 13 and 14 are preferably welded to the blank 12 along the side edges thereof, to provide a water-tight unitary container structure it As will be seen from an inspection of Fig. 2, the front surfaces of the front flanges 26 and 27 are substantially in alignment with the front edge 23 of the bottom wall 19 and it is further to be noted, that while for convenience, the enclosure of this invention is shown in the drawing in horizontal position, it is to be understood, that the same is normally mounted in a vertical position with the wall 19 located at the bottom and the wall 18 located at the top and the enclosure may be conveniently mounted by suitable fastening means, not shownQextending through the rear wall 17, although the enclosure may, of course, be mounted in any other desired or suitable manner. Also, electrical apparatus, not shown, or any other devices may be mounted in any desired manner within the container 1i? and access thereto may be had through the open front of the container.

The open front of the container 19 may be conveniently closed by a removable cover 11 and, as shown in Fig. 3,

' such cover may be formed from a single metallic blank 29 and contacting by placing-the upper edge thereof in contact' with the front 7 flanges 26 and 27 below the overhanging cover retainingi 62 and bottom wall63'within' the container 60 and may 7 if a be secured to such jtop and bottom wall bywelding or the inner upper-surface of the' b'otto m The cover 1 1 may be held in position'on the-'cjontainer 1 0'and prevent unauthorized accessthereto by means of a hasp 42' having a butt portion 43 secured to' the front means and having a hinged 'p0rtio n44 provided with a slot 4 therein to receive a loop 46 of an eye portion 47 having a base48 secured to the lower surfaceof the bottom wall 42 0f the cover ll by weldingor any'ether suitable wall 19 in 'any suitable manner, suchf-as by welding.

If desired, a padlock or other suitable locking means may be received on the loop 46 to prevent movement of the hinged portion 44"of the hasp -42( and removal of'the cover 11 fr'omfthe containerel tl.v v e i It is to beenoted that thefside flanges 4t and 41 'ofthe cover 11 embrace the side walls 22 and 23of the container l'fi'and since, the npper edge of'the cover ll j a Similarly, the cover 75 is provided with side flanges SZv is completely covered by'the overhanging cover-retain-' ing flange 21, a weatherproof enclosureis' provided. The

notches 32 and 33 serve to permit 'ventila'tione'of @the interior of the containerl!) and also permit drainage of any moisture which may be 'fo'rme'dby' condensation or releasing the hinged portion 44'of the hasp 42" and moving the lower portion of the cover ll' for'wardlyand Y thereafter downwardlytofree -the sanie from the overhanging coverretaining flange 21; at which time the cover;

; mayiebc entirely removed" from the container 10.

7 With particular reference to Fig. 5, thereis'shown a slightly modified form of weatherproof enclosure con'-- structed in accordance with this invention and in which the like within such container. The cover 11 may, of 1' I course, be conveniently removed from the container by fro nt'edge 73 of the bottom wall 63; e

7 container 60 is torn-led in the same manner'as described abovev in-rconnection' with the first form of the invention and there may beprovided front flanges 66 and 67 on'the front edges of the sideewallsv64 and 65 respectively,fas well as a downwardly extending overhanging cover-retain? ing flange 68 formed on the front'edge of the top wall 62. 1

A bridging member 69 extends between the topj wallt any other suitable means} While 'one 'bridging'member 69 is shown 'for' purposes of'illustratiomit is to be ixnder-v V; I 'sto od, that asman'y such bridging memhersja's necessary may be provided within t e container6tl.- The bridging;

member 69 is provided with a forwardly opening channel 70 extending throughcut-the length thereof and also'with V V laterally extending'coversupporting flanges 71' and=72'.'

It is to be noted, that thecover supporting flanges; 71''. and 72 aresuhstantially in the same plane; as the front flanges 66 land 67 and substantially inalignment: a

A'pair or; removable covers 74 and 75 are eachjof which is identical with'the cover;11 describedf abovetin connection with the'fi rst'form'of the invention"' and the 'cover 74 maybe provided withrearwardly'extending side flanges 76 and 77 and a bottom flange 78 with the bottom flange provided'at each endther'eof'with notches 79 and 80. The central portion 81 of the cover 74 provides a front wall for a portion of the container160 7 'The centralportion 87 of the; cover 75 provides a' -frdhtjf wall'for the;remainder of'the'container 60. a 6 i The covers 74 and 75gare applied'to the container 60 in the 'saniefmanner as described above in 'connection p with-the first' forrn-oi the invention and itis to lie-noted, V a

t that the notch 79 in thelfcover 74'serves toreceive the* front fiange6 6,rwhile the notch 80 in the cover 74 serves to receive the cover supporting 'flange' 71cm the bridge a member 69 with the side flange 77 'ofrthe cover 74m? ceived in the c'hannel 70 of thebri'dgemember 69. Simiadjacent the lower ends thereof. The bottom flange'54- of the cover 55 is provided-with notches 56 and 57 at i each end thereof and it is to be noted, that these notches 56and'57 are'of sufli-cient length to accommodate the side t walls 53 and 59 of the container 49 and that the notches 1'52 and 53 in the front flanges S0 and 51 are of suflicient V length to accommodate the bottom flange 54 of the cover l 55. T he upper end of the container 49 and of the cover 55 are'formed in the same manner as described above;

the cover 74 overlaps and embraces the side' wall fitl of,

the container 60; and the'side flange 83 r the cover 75 f overlaps and embracesthe sidewall 65in the same man-;--

in connection with the first form of the invention and the application and removal of thecover to the container 49 is the same'as described above. 5 The'main advantage of this form of the invention is the fact that the notches 52 and 53 in the'front' flanges Sttand SI'permit more tainer 49 and prevent the formation offpocketsvreart t I a adequate drainage from the lower portion of the con wardly of the front flanges 50 and 51,'as"might be the 6 case in the first form of the invention. a ,g Since; it is sometimes desirable to provide a relatively large containeifl in which maybe installed difierent types may only benecessaryto have access to one or more of such devices at any given time, it is 'also contemplated by this inventionto provide such a container and a plurality time; As best shown in Figs. 6 and 7,, a container 60: any desired'size may be provided andsuch-container may be formed with a rear wall 61, top and bottom'wall'st 62 and 63 respectively and side walls 64 and "of electrical apparatus or other devices and inwh i ch it I of covers, any one of whichmayeb'e removed at anygiven j the. container.

larly, the cover '75 is 'applied 'to the container 60Twith V the front flange 67 received in thenotch 86 andwith V the cover supporting flange 72 of-thebridge' 'memberg69ff receivedin the notch 85; The side flange 82 of thec over is received in the channelfiti of ,thebridge memberf 1 69 -518 clearly shown'in Fig. 7. Theside flange 76 of, I

ner as described 'abovein conneetioii with th'e first form; ofthe invention. As estatedabove aslmany bridgememi bers 69 as desired may be installedin the container. 60 7 and as many covers asnecessary utilizedto closeflthe front thereof. In this way; the coversfmay: be kept to a reasonablesiae and where desired, only one cover; need 1 j V p be removedin order to-provide access' toth'at portion It'will; be seen that by the above described' inventi V there has been provided a relatively simple and'econo mia cal weatherproof enclosure, yet tone which adequately; protects apparatus or=devicesiristalled therein and which;

at the same time, permiitsi convenient accessto the in-e te'riorof the enclosure andlilcewise preventsiunauthorizedfi 7 access theretol The enclosure maybemanufacturedzby relatively simple,fstamping, bendingrand welding operations, thereby permittingtlarge scale production and sale.

in a 'highl'ycompetitive market}; a e a meats,

What is claimed is:

l. A weatherproof enclosure comprising a generally rectangular container for vertical mounting and open at the front, top, rear and bottom walls of one-piece integral construction, side walls secured to said top, rear and bottom walls along the side edges thereof, inwardly extending front flanges on the front edges of said side walls, the front surfaces of said flanges being substantially in alignment with the front edge of said bottom wall, an overhanging downwardly extending cover retaining flange on the front edge of said top wall, said retaining flange being spaced forwardly of said front flanges, a removable cover for the open front of said container providing a front wall, said cover comprising a flat plate disposed between said retaining flange and said front flanges, side flanges on said plate embracing the side walls of said container, top and bottom rearwardly extending flanges on said plate engaging the inner surfaces of said top and bottom walls, notches at each end of said top and bottom flanges for receiving said front flanges and means for releasably retaining said cover in closed position on said container.

2. A weatherproof enclosure comprising a generally rectangular container for vertical mounting and open at the front, top, rear and bottom walls, side walls secured to said top, rear and bottom walls along the side edges thereof, inwardly extending front flanges on the front edges of said sidewalls, the front surfaces of said flanges being substantially in alignment with the front edge of said bottom wall, an overhanging downwardly extending cover retaining flange on the front edge of said top wall, said retaining flange being spaced forwardly of said front flanges, a removable cover for the open front of said container providing a front wall, said cover comprising a flat plate disposed between said retaining flange and said front flanges, side flanges on said plate embracing the side walls of said container, top and bottom rearwardly extending flanges on said plate engaging the inner surfaces of said top and bottom walls, notches at each end of said top and bottom flanges for receiving said front flanges and means for releasably retaining said cover in closed position on said container.

3. A weatherproof enclosure comprising a generally rectangular container for vertical mounting and open at the front, top, rear and bottom walls, side walls secured to said top, rear and bottom walls along the side edges thereof, inwardly extending front flanges on the front edges of said side walls, an overhanging downwardly extending cover retaining flange on the front edge of said top wall, said retaining flange being spaced forwardly of said front flanges, a removable cover for the open front of said container providing a front wall, said cover comprising a flat plate disposed between said retaining flange and said front flanges, side flanges on said plate embracing the side Walls of said container, top and bottom rearwardly extending flanges on said plate engaging the inner surfaces of said top and bottom walls, notches at each end of said top and bottom flanges for receiving said front flanges and means for releasably retaining said cover in closed position on said container.

4. A weatherproof enclosure comprising a generally rectangular container for vertical mounting and open at the front, top, rear and bottom walls of one-piece integral construction, side walls secured to said top, rear and bottom walls along the side edges thereof, inwardly extending front flanges on the front edges of said side walls, the front surfaces of said flanges being substantially in align ment with the front edge of said bottom wall, an overhanging downwardly extending cover retaining flange on the front edge of said top wall, said retaining flange being spaced forwardly of said front flanges, a removable cover for the open front of said container providing a front wall, said cover comprising a front plate disposed between said retaining flange-and said front flanges, side flanges on said plate embracing the side walls of said container, top and bottom rearwardly. extending flanges on said plate engaging the inner surface of said top and bottom walls, notches at each end of said top flange for receiving said front flanges, notches at the lower ends of said front flanges for receiving said bottom flange, notches at each end of said bottom flange for receiving said side walls and means for releasably retaining said cover in closed position on said container.

5. A weatherproof enclosure comprising a generally rectangular container for vertical mounting and open at the front,.top, rear and bottom walls, side walls secured to said top, rear and bottom walls along the side edges thereof, inwardly extending front flanges on the front edges of said side walls, the front surfaces of said flanges "being substantially in alignment with the front edge of said bottom wall, an overhanging downwardly extending cover retaining flange on the front edge of said top wall, said retaining flange being spaced forwardly of said front flanges, a removable cover for the open front of said container providing a front wall, said cover comprising a front plate disposed between said retaining flange and said front flanges, side flanges on said plate embracing the side walls of said container, top and bottom rearwardly extending flanges on said plate engaging the inner surfaces of said top and bottom walls, notches at each end of said top flange for receiving said front flanges, notches at the lower ends of said front flanges for receiving said bottom flange, notches at each end of said bottom flange for receiving said side walls and means for releasably retain ing said cover in closed position on said container.

6. A weatherproof enclosure comprising a generally rectangular container for vertical mounting and open at the front, top, rear and bottom walls, side walls secured to said top, rear and bottom walls along the side edges thereof, inwardly extending front flanges on the front edges of said side walls, an overhanging downwardly extending cover retaining flange on the front edge of said top wall, said retaining flange being spaced forwardly of said front flanges, a removable cover for the open front of said container providing a front wall, said cover comprising a front plate disposed between said retaining flange and said front flanges, side flanges on said plate embracing the side walls of said container, top and bottom rearwardly extending flanges on said plate engaging the inner surface of said top and bottom walls, notches at each end of said top flange for receiving said front flanges, notches at the lower ends of said front flanges for receiving said bottom flange, notches at each end of said bottom flange for receiving said side walls and means for releasably retaining said cover in closed position on said container.

7. A weatherproof enclosure comprising a generally rectangular container for vertical mounting and open at the front, top, rear and bottom walls, side walls secured to said top, rear and bottom walls along the side edges thereof, inwardly extending front flanges on the front edges of said side walls, an overhanging downwardly extending cover retaining flange on the front edge of said top wall, said retaining flange being spaced forwardly of said front flanges, a removable cover for the open front of said container providing a front Wall, said cover comprising a front plate disposed between said retaining flange and said front flanges, side flanges on said plate embracing the side walls of said container, top and bottom rearwardly extending flanges on said plate, notches at each end of said top flange for receiving said front flanges, notches at the lower end of said front flanges for receiving said bottom flange, notches at each end of said bottom flange for receiving said side walls and means for releasably retaining said cover in closed position on said container.

8. A weatherproof enclosure comprising a generally rectangular container for vertical mounting and open at the front, top, rear and bottom walls of one-piece integral construction, side walls secured to said top, rear and bottom walls along the side edges thereof, inwardly ex- "tending front flanges on the front edgesof said side walls,

thefront surfaces of said flanges beingsubstantially in 7 alignment with the 'frontiedge of said bottom wall, an

overhanging downwardlyextending cover. retaining flange on the' front edgeof sa'id'top wall, said retaining flangebeing spaEed forwardly. of said front flanges, a bridge member extending between said top and bottom walls" and secured thereto substantially midway between 'said side walls, said member having a'forwardly opening channel and laterallyextending cover supporting? flanges, 'said cover supporting flanges beingtsubstantiallyin the same 7 plane ,as said front flanges,'a pair of 'removableacoversl for the open front of said containei fproviding afront said top andlbottomiwalls, notches at each end of said top' and bottom flanges for receiving said front flanges and said cover supporting flanges and means for releasably retaining said covers in closed position on said container. 9. A weatherproof enclosure comprisingla generally rectangularcontainer for vertical mountingand open at, the front, top, rear'and bottom Wall's, side walls secured to said top, rear and bottom walls along the side edges 7 thereof, inwardly extending front flanges onthe' front edges of said sidewalls, the front'surfaces of said flanges being substantially in alignment with thefront edge or said bottom wall, an overhanging "downwardly extending;

cover retaining flange on the front edge oftsaid top 'wall, said retaining flange being spaced forwardly of'said front,

flanges, a bridge member extending between said top and bottom; Walls 7 and secured thereto substantially midway betweenfsaid side walls, said member having' a forwardly opening channel and laterally extending cover supporting flanges, said cover supporting flanges'being substantially in'the same plane as said front flanges, a pair of remov- V able covers forthe open front of said container'providing a front wall, each'cover comprising a flat plate'disposed 7 between said retaining flange and oneof said front flanges and one of said cover supporting flanges, side flanges on each plate with one. side. flange embracing aside wall of said "container and. the other side flange .received in the 7 channel of said member, top and bottom rearwardly ex- 7 tending flanges on each plate engaging the innersurfaces of said top and bottom walls,notches at each end of said top Wall, said retaining flange being spaced forwardly of {said fronttflanges, a bridge member extending between said top and bottom walls and secured thereto substantially midway between said sidewalls, said member 'hav- V inga forwardly opening channel andlaterallyextending cover supportingflanges, said cover supporting flanges being substantially in -the same plane as said front flanges,

' a pair of'removable covers-for the ,open front of said con-1 ltainer providing a front wall, cachcover comprising a flat plate disposed between said retaining flange and-one 'wall, each cover, comprising a flat plate disposed between 7 said retaining-flange and one of said front flanges fan'd, one of 'said cover supporting flanges, side flanges on each plate with one side flange embracing a sidewall of said container and the othersid'e flange received in the chan-l nel of; saidrmember, top and bo'ttom rearwardly extending flanges on each plate engaging the inner, surfaces of j of said front flanges and one of saidx eoveri supporting flanges, side flanges on each plate'with onenside flange embracing a side wall'of said container and the other j side flange received in the'ehannel of said"n1ember,- top r and bottomrearwardly extending flanges;o n each plate" engaging the inner surfacesof said top andpbottorn walls, notches at' each end'of said top and botton'rflanges' for receiving said front flanges and saidpoverisuppork in closed position on saidjcontainer.

ing flanges and means for releasably'retaining said covers 1, 7

11. A weatherproof enclosure comprisin'gag enerally' 5 rectangular container fort-vertical mounting tand openat' the frontjtop, rear and bottom Walls, side walls'lsecu'red I tosaidtopyrearand bottom walls along the'side'jedges 1 thereof, inwardly extending lfront'flanges onthe front -t a edgesof'said side walls, anloverhanging' downwardly ex-' r tending cover retaining flange on the front edge'iof'said g I topwall, said retaining flangebeing spaced forwardly or; said front flanges; ajbridgew member extending between saidtop and bottom wallsiandrsecured theretot 'substantially midway between said side Wa1ls,,said member-having a-forwardly opening channel and laterally extending cover supporting tflanges, said cover supporting flan e being substantially in the same plane 'as said front flanges,

a pair of removable coversfor'the open fr'ontpf said con} V tainer providing a front wall, each' coverr'comprisinga flatplate disposed between said retaining Qflangeandone of said'frontfflanges and one. of saidcover supportingflanges, side flanges lon each" plate with one side flange: embracingfa sidewall of fsaidcontainerand the :other, 7

side flange received in the channel'of said member, ,top'

and bottom rearwardly extending flanges on eachaplate',

- front of said container providingrafr'ont WalL'eaeh cover 1 comprising fa flat plate disposed between said ,retain'ingt- L notches at each end of said top and bottom iflan ges for" receiving said front j flanges and said cover supporting V flanges and mean'sfor releasably'retainingsaidj covers' in;

closed positionon saidrcontainer. r

" l2. A weatherproof enclosurecomprising a generally rectangular container for vertical mounting, and jopen .at i the front, topQrear and bottom walls side walls secured I r to saidtop, rear and bottomnwalls along the sideiedges, thereof, inwardlylextending front flanges on the fr'ont edges of said sidewalls,an overhanging downwardly extending cover retaining flange 'on theifront edge of said'top wall,1

said retaining flange being spaccd' forwardly bfjseiid 7 front flanges, a bridge member extending,between'saida ,top and bottom walls andsecured thereto, s aid member,

having a forwardly opening channel and laterally x-Q tending cover supportingflanga said cover supporting flanges being substantially in the, same plane as said front flanges, a plurality of removable covers? for thegopen,

flange and one of said front flanges andone of said coven supporting flanges, sideflanges on each plate with one side 'flange'embracing a side wallofsaidcontainerandi V the other side flange received in the channel of said meme her, top and bottom rearwardly extending .flan ges on o each plate, notches at each endt'of said top and bottom flanges for receiving said ;front flanges and said cover supporting flanges and means for releasably retaming said 1 covers in closed position on'saidcontainer; j

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